A month ago 10 servant-hearted men from our missions-oriented church traveled to Kenya, Africa, to do good for a young woman and the 78 children she’s raising. Reah is an unusual 23 year old who cheerfully manages two children’s homes with minimum staff and maximum joy. (2/18/11 blog, A Shining Star)
Ten men journeyed to the other side of the globe with eagerness to help. Because of their busy, complicated lives, it might seem impossible for these “worker bees” to free their schedules for such a trip. Yet they did, representing 7 decades among them: guys in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, a remarkable group.
Although some people say traveling is in their blood, most of us like their own beds, familiar routines and recognizable foods. Not these guys. They plowed into their trip with gusto and two purposes: to facilitate a fresh water supply for the children and to construct a small home for Reah.
Because clean water is hard to find in Africa, she was having to buy it with precious dollars needed for education, medicine and food. And with a place to live right on the property, Reah would be always available to the children.
She sets the tone for her big family with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, expecting the best from each one. Then, as they deliver it, she’s pleased not just to get the work done but in knowing their good behavior brings them personal satisfaction, too.
Isn’t this the way God’s economy works? He asks us to give to others; then as we give, those others end up giving back to us, and simultaneously God gives to the whole crowd.
It took 10 men 10 days to get the two jobs done, though they also found time to build a playground. Kids who’d never pumped a swing or climbed a jungle gym found this to be total entertainment. Once the playground had been completed, the swings never stopped.
Back at home our mission-trippers reported on their African adventure, and we saw how they’d been blessed even more than those they’d traveled to bless. We heard stories of kids who pitched in to prepare food, wash clothes, clean up and do whatever was needed, without complaint. They told us of older children rushing to help the younger, and even when all of them hoped for a turn on a swing, none pushed or whined to get one.
As we viewed the slide show of our 10 men’s 10 days, adult smiles and happy children dominated every frame, whether they were working or playing. Fresh water was facilitated, a house was constructed, a playground was built, and God poured blessing over the whole bunch.
You might say it was a Perfect 10.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (Hebrews 6:10)